Grambling officials are continuing talks with players to work toward a solution to the football team's boycott / Sean Isabella/The News-Star

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Grambling officials worked late Friday and into the early morning hours Saturday as the university continues toward a solution to end the football team’s boycott.

Grambling president Frank Pogue, athletic director Aaron James and other administrators are involved in what is being called as positive talks less than 24 hours after the players failed to show up for Friday’s bus ride to Jackson State, which resulted in a forfeit.

“(They met) to engage our student athletes and others with a stake in resolving this situation and that includes quite a variety of folks from alumni, fans and supporters and people at the system office as well as the conference office,” Grambling spokesperson Will Sutton said Saturday morning.

Sutton said the season isn’t necessarily in jeopardy, and Sutton also noted he spoke with Pogue earlier Saturday, who made it clear he was intent on moving forward with “the balance of the season.”

“There are ongoing discussions looking at the different aspects of where we are with the idea of completing the football system after today’s lack of a game,” Sutton said.

The team forced the removal of interim coach George Ragsdale as part of their demands, but Sutton swiftly rejected any plans of either Pogue or James stepping down.

“That’s not going to happen,” Sutton said.

Grambling is expected to take part in a conference call with SWAC officials this afternoon. Part of those discussions will involve any additional fines levied on the university.

James told The News-Star late Friday that Grambling will pay a $20,000 fine per SWAC bylaws.